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Walter Benjamin Views on Experience and Function of Artwork in “The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproduction”
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Roohollah Ramazani Barkoosara *   |
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Abstract: (15247 Views) |
| This article describes the role of technology in the
developments occurred in the experience of the
work of art in modern era. First, the philosophical
fundaments of Benjamin views on experience and
the historical backgrounds of his considerations
about art are explained. Following, the effects of
technology is assessed both on the essence and
perception of art. It is discussed that technology,
while changing the sentimental apparatus of human
being, has effaced the distance and uniqueness
of artwork for its audience a situation which
is in turn a direct consequence of the presence of
technological reproduction in the sphere of art. The
result of such a historical shift is the decline of the
artwork’s aura and the replacement of ritual func5
tions by exhibition value. The arts like photography
and cinema, which depend on technology, are
essentially reproducible and their function is fully
exhibitive. Hence, the exhibitive appeal to art for
the masses makes it political. Such an appeal can
be either of use to totalitarian forces in society, like
Fascists, or becomes a means for enlightening the
masses and making them compatible with conditions
of modern technological life. |
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| Keywords: Benjamin, experience, work of art, reproducibility, aura |
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Full-Text [PDF 379 kb]
(7819 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2014/06/11 | Accepted: 2014/06/11
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